Clinical diagnoses of many diseases are achieved through histological analysis of a tissue sample taken from the patient in the operating theatre.
In order to achieve an accurate diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment for every patient, it is essential that the tissue is handled optimally from the moment it is collected. Up until today this has been achieved by using formalin for the preservation of tissues as they are taken from the patient during the operation.
Formalin is, however, hazardous. It can cause problems with the eyes, skin and respiratory tract; and must be handled according to safety guidelines, posing potential issues in theatre and elsewhere in the hospital if not handled correctly. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC1) has recently re-classified formaldehyde to a class 1 carcinogen. This new classification becomes effective from 1st January 2016 and is driving health authorities, surgical staff, pathologists and laboratory staff to look for ways to minimise exposure to the substance in work environments without compromising the surgical specimen. Under COSHH there is a duty on employers to reduce exposure to carcinogens to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. The COSHH Approved Code of Practice, paragraph 58, includes a requirement for employers to substitute Category 1B carcinogens such as formalin for a less toxic alternative.
In addition to these health risks, the appropriate facilities for storage, handling and transporting of the formalin filled containers is costly.
Formalin spillages are also a major hazard and might happen in any area from theatre, through to laboratory. Such a spillage can be very costly and extremely disruptive to the workflow, as all affected areas needs to be evacuated immediately and the spill dealt with by trained staff using a specifically developed ‘spill kit.’
New ISO guidelines also mean that it is becoming essential to track and trace every patient sample from the theatre to the laboratory. Given these factors many theatres and laboratories are looking for an alternative surgical specimen management and transport system within current budgets.
Reducing exposure to formalin
Menarini Diagnostics have recently launched the TissueSAFE and SealSAFE, high vacuum specimen transfer systems. These systems are designed to improve safety by reducing formalin exposure and handling of bulk chemicals in theatres and pathology laboratories, and also to provide documented and standardised specimen collection and fixation procedures.
TissueSAFE: The Menarini TissueSAFE is placed into the theatre area to vacuum seal specimens in specially designed bags. The bags are labelled with the patient details and specimen request form and are stored at 4˚C for transport to the laboratory. This process eliminates the need of formalin for the majority of large surgical specimens. This improves safety for theatre staff, porters and patients.
Specimen transfer to laboratory: Specimens are transported to the laboratory in a coolbag or refrigerated transfer cart at 4˚C to prevent the specimen from deteriorating. The temperature of every specimen is continuously monitored and documented through-out the transport phase. Tracking ensures that the hospital can account for when the patient’s specimen leaves theatre and arrives at the pathology laboratory.
SealSAFE: SealSAFE controls the amount of formalin dispensed into the bag according to the weight of specimen and vacuum seals when dispensation is complete. This take place within a closed unit for maximum safety, efficiency, quality and standardisation. The tissues are then examined by a pathologist and placed into labelled cassettes for routine histological processing.
Results in the pathology laboratory have demonstrated that this process provides optimal, if not better, morphological results. The tissues are also more suitable for advanced diagnostic testing. This ensures the patient receives the most accurate and timely results enabling appropriate treatment regimes to commence.
Customer feedback
The Menarini Diagnostics TissueSAFE and SealSAFE have been trialed in several theatres in the UK. Typical comments have included: “It decreased moving and handing within the department, with no lifting of heavy pots of formalin,” (Alison Harrison); “It eliminated the need for Formalin and its hazards,” (Deidre Hoare); and “It reduces the need to store Formalin, freeing space for other items,” (Luke Muress).
For more information contact: MENARINI DIAGNOSTICS
405 Wharfedale Road
Winnersh
Wokingham
Berkshire RG41 5RA
Tel: 0118 944 4100
Fax: 0118 944 4111
Email: enquiries@menarinidiag.co.uk
Web: www.menarinidiag.co.uk
